While rosacea predominantly affects the face, there are different types of the skin condition, but it most commonly occurs in fair-skinned individuals from the age of 30 onwards, and women are more often affected than men.
There are four subtypes of rosacea, each with its own set of symptoms. It is possible for a person to have more than one type of rosacea, presenting either at different times during their life, or at any one time.
Typically, rosacea presents as flare-ups of small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. These flare-ups often occur in cycles, meaning symptoms appear for weeks or months at a time before abating, and can recur.
As a result of the chronic, uncomfortable and sometimes unpredictable nature of the condition, many patients find that it negatively impacts their quality of life and self-confidence. For these reasons, it is common for patients suffering with rosacea – especially in its more severe forms – to also experience psychological issues, such as depression and anxiety.
For many individuals, living with rosacea can be upsetting and traumatic, so it may be helpful to seek support from groups or organisations that can provide additional resources, such as the National Rosacea Society. There are also communities on social media, and both male and female celebrities with rosacea now share their stories to help support others with the condition.
Rosacea
While rosacea cannot be cured, with medical help, the condition is manageable, and there are some techniques that patients may find helpful in identifying triggers and reducing their flare-ups.
Typically, rosacea presents as flare-ups of small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. These flare-ups often occur in cycles, meaning symptoms appear for weeks or months at a time before abating, and can recur.
Symptoms of Rosacea
The first signs of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can include redness that may also be described as ‘blushing.’
The blushing usually appears to come and go across the nose, or appear on cheeks, forehead or chin – thus without medical help, people may mistake the medical condition for the normal usual flushing of the face when overheated or embarrassed.
This redness may be accompanied by a burning or stinging feeling when using water or skincare products to cleanse the skin, and it may be harder to see on darker skin tones.
As rosacea worsens, either all or some of these areas may become, or stay red all the time, and tiny broken blood vessels may appear on the skin and not resolve. Either or both of these symptoms may be accompanied by small pink or red bumps, which can sometimes become filled with a yellowish or whitish liquid, known as pus.
Other symptoms of rosacea can include:
- Dryness of the skin
- Swelling, especially around the eyes, or sensitive eyes
- Discoloured yellow or orange ‘patches’ on the skin
- Soreness in the eyelids, or ‘crust’ around the roots of eyelashes
- Thickened skin, which typically appears on the nose after many years of living with the condition
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (Subtype I)
Papulopustular rosacea (Subtype II)
Rhinophyma (Subtype III)
Ocular rosacea (Subtype IV)
Causes of Rosacea
There are certain factors that will make an individual more likely to develop rosacea. Another way of saying this is that there are predispositions to having the condition.
Rosacea often develops in people 30-50, and tends to be more common in people who are fair-skinned and have blond hair and blue eyes. The condition is seen as likely to be influenced by genetics, so it is possible that if an individual’s parents have experienced problems with rosacea, they may be more likely to have the same trouble – particularly if they have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.
Women are more likely to develop rosacea than men, however, men who develop the condition often display more severe rosacea symptoms. While it’s not known what causes rosacea, research has indicated some triggers can make symptoms worse.
By avoiding known triggers and documenting the suspected causes of flare-ups, patients can hope to manage the condition more comfortably in the longer term, with the assistance of their doctor. Taking notes may also be helpful for patients to anticipate seasonal changes, as well as actions they can take to reduce the likelihood, or severity of a flare-up.
Common factors that may trigger or worsen rosacea include:
Skin products, cosmetics and fragrances
Inverse psoriasis
Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
Aerobic exercise
Environmental factors
Spicy food
Specific food types
Alcohol and caffeine, or hot drinks
Bacteria
Treatment of Rosacea at Derma
Your appointment will begin with a skin check and medical history, followed by recommended treatment options.
Together with the dermatologist, you will discuss how to care for your skin, the latest and most effective treatments, and explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best options.
Mild to moderate forms of rosacea may be controlled using topical treatments available from chemists, but depending on your condition, prescription creams may be necessary. The dermatologist will let you know whether it is beneficial to continue with any over-the-counter treatment, or if it is advisable to stop.
Additionally, Derma may be able to offer treatments with tablets, which may be prescribed longer-term, or may only be needed seasonally during periods where the condition is more prone to flare-ups, such as during the dry, cold winter months.
Depending on the treatment and the severity of your condition, further tests and follow-up appointments may be required to manage your treatment.
Each case of rosacea is different, but whatever your needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care for your skin, with access to the latest research and treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rosacea Itchy?
Is Rosacea Contagious?
Can Makeup Cause Rosacea?
Related Specialists at Derma

Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Oxford since 2017. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register. She qualified from Oxford University in 2008.

Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.

Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.

Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.

Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
Professor Rubeta Matin is a UK trained consultant dermatologist and honorary senior lecturer in Oxford since 2015. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register.

Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007
